The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has sanctioned a substantial budget to bolster the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its ongoing fight against narcotics.
At the Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Dr. Lateef Fagbemi, announced the approval of $1.442 million for the procurement of arms, ammunition, and equipment for the NDLEA.
This funding is part of a broader strategy to enhance the agency’s operational capabilities.
Dr. Fagbemi revealed that an additional N1.99 billion has been allocated for the purchase of 33 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) compliant vehicles.
These vehicles, identified as Mikano Maxus E60 motor vehicles, are expected to significantly improve the NDLEA’s mobility and efficiency in anti-narcotic operations.
In his briefing, the Minister noted that three memoranda concerning the NDLEA were presented to the Council. Among these was the approval of N985 million for the acquisition of two full-body scanners to be installed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
These scanners are anticipated to enhance security measures and the detection of illicit substances at these key entry points.
“We discussed some other items today, three items in respect of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, otherwise known as NDLEA.
“ The first one is the procurement of 33 Mikano Maxus E60 motor vehicles, to boost the operation of the NDLEA at N1.9 billion.
“ You will agree with me that it is important that we give support to the activities of NDLEA so the Council considered this and gave approval for the purchase of 33 Mikano vehicles and they are all CNG compliant.
“ This is for the sum of $1.442 million,” said Dr. Fagbemi.
He added, “The second one is, again, purchase for the NDLEA this time is for the procurement of arms, ammunition and anti-riot equipment for counter-narcotics operations for the NDLEA.
The third in the series is the procurement of two units of full body scanners at both Abuja and Lagos international airports to boost the operation of the NDLEA. This is at a cost of N985 million.”
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